The 25 Best Women’s Footballers in the World, Ranked
Women’s football has reached dazzling new heights in 2025, with elite talent lighting up the pitch in every corner of the globe. From rising stars to established icons, this ranking showcases the top 25 female players who are defining the sport right now. Starting with the world's best, we count down to reveal the full list.
25. Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid & Colombia)
Still only a teenager, Caicedo is dazzling with her flair, creativity, and confidence. Already a key figure at Real Madrid, she’s also become the heartbeat of Colombia’s attack.
24. Katie McCabe (Arsenal & Republic of Ireland)
McCabe brings grit, goals, and leadership in abundance. Known for her fierce left foot and versatility, she’s the driving force behind both Arsenal and the Irish national team.
23. Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave & USA)
A composed and intelligent defender, Girma’s calmness under pressure is rare for her age. She’s quickly become the backbone of San Diego Wave and a cornerstone of the US backline.
Read also: The 10 Best Defensive Midfielders in the World (2025)
22. Fridolina Rolfö (Barcelona & Sweden)
Rolfö combines technical excellence with physical strength, making her a dominant presence on the left flank. Her powerful left foot has become a hallmark of Barcelona's attacking play.
21. Alexandra Popp (Wolfsburg & Germany)
A commanding forward and experienced leader, Popp continues to deliver in big moments. She’s the epitome of consistency and remains a threat in every match she plays.
20. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City & England)
Hemp’s speed and directness make her one of the most dangerous wide players in the game. Her dribbling and delivery are crucial to City’s forward momentum.
19. Guro Reiten (Chelsea & Norway)
Reiten has quietly become one of Chelsea’s most productive players. Her vision, left-footed precision, and ability to unlock defenses put her among Europe’s top creators.
Read also: The Top 15 Most Watched Sporting Events in the World - 2025
18. Ona Batlle (Barcelona & Spain)
Batlle is a modern full-back, mixing defensive sharpness with fearless attacking runs. Her return to Barcelona has only boosted their dominance.
17. Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris Saint-Germain & France)
Despite battling injuries, Katoto remains a clinical finisher with elite instincts. When fit, she’s one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
16. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal & Spain)
Caldentey thrives in tight spaces and brings subtle brilliance to every attack. Since joining Arsenal, she’s continued to showcase her intelligence and versatility.
15. Patri Guijarro (Barcelona & Spain)
A midfield powerhouse, Guijarro is the link that binds Barcelona’s fluid game together. She adds defensive steel and timely goals to a star-studded lineup.
Read also: The 20 Greatest Premier League Signings, Ranked by AI
14. Mapi León (Barcelona & Spain)
León is a world-class defender with vision and precision. Her ability to start attacks from the back makes her one of Barcelona’s most valuable assets.
13. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)
A former Ballon d'Or winner, Putellas is still an influential playmaker. While others have stepped into the spotlight, her technique and leadership remain unmatched.
12. Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit & USA)
Rodman is explosive, creative, and relentless in attack. She’s quickly becoming one of the USWNT’s most exciting and marketable stars.
11. Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City & Japan)
Hasegawa offers calmness, creativity, and tactical intelligence. She has become essential to City’s build-up play and brings a unique rhythm to Japan’s midfield.
Read also: The 30 Greatest Goalkeepers in Football History - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
10. Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars & USA)
Swanson returned from injury with determination and firepower, scoring the Olympic gold medal winner. Her comeback has turned her into a true USWNT icon.
9. Mayra Ramírez (Chelsea & Colombia)
A record-breaking transfer who paid it back with goals and silverware, Ramírez powered Chelsea to the title. Her ability to dominate matches is unmatched.
8. Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride & Zambia)
Banda is pure instinct and execution. With a staggering goal ratio for club and country, she’s become one of the most feared finishers in the game.
7. Lindsey Horan (Lyon & USA)
Horan’s leadership and technical class have helped stabilize the USWNT and guide Lyon. Her all-around game continues to evolve at the highest level.
Read also: The 10 Best Right-Backs in the World (2025)
6. Khadija “Bunny” Shaw (Manchester City & Jamaica)
Shaw scores for fun—50 goals in 37 WSL starts and 57 in 44 caps for Jamaica. She’s the world’s best pure striker and the focal point of any team she plays for.
5. Keira Walsh (Barcelona & England)
Walsh is the definition of composure and control. Her passing range and game-reading skills make her the glue in Barcelona’s world-class system.
4. Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns & USA)
Smith is electric on the ball and now delivering consistently. Her 12 goals last season underline her importance to both club and country.
3. Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona & Spain)
Paralluelo is a 21-year-old phenom with pace, precision, and maturity beyond her years. A key figure in Spain’s rise, she’s only just getting started.
2. Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona & Norway)
Graham Hansen is one of the most technically gifted wingers in football. Her intelligence, finishing, and one-on-one dominance put her just a step behind the top spot.
1. Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona & Spain)
Bonmatí is football’s ultimate evolution—a midfielder who can control tempo, break lines, and score. Already a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, she’s the complete package and the face of the women’s game.
